STATUTORY RULES.
1919. No. 235.
REGULATION UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1918.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1918, to come into operation forthwith.
Dated this twenty-fourth day of September, 1919.
R. M. FERGUSON,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
E. J. RUSSELL,
Acting Minister of State for Defence.
Amendment of the Australian Military Regulations 1916.
Sub-regulation (1) of regulation 19 of The Australian Military Regulations 1916 is amended by deleting those portions relating to the 2nd Military District and to the 3rd Military District and inserting the following in lieu thereof:—
“2nd Military District.—The State of New South Wales, excluding the 41st Regimental Area above mentioned and excluding the towns of Broken Hill, Torrowangee, and Silverton, and excluding those parts of the 56th Regimental Area, which include the towns of Corowa, South Corowa, Mulwala, Moama, Mathoura, and Deniliquin, and excluding those parts of the 57th Regimental Area, which include the towns of Jerilderie, Berrigan, Finley, and Tocumwal, and together with those parts of the 57th Regimental Area in the State of Victoria, which include the towns of Wodonga, Barnawartha, Chiltern, and Tallangatta, also the Federal Territory of Australia.
“3rd Military District.—The State of Victoria, together with those parts of the 56th and 57th Regimental Areas shown above as excluded from the State of New South Wales and excluding those parts of the 57th Regimental Area shown above as included in the 2nd Military District.”
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
Overview
The Statutory Rules of 1919, No. 235, represents a legislative instrument made under the Defence Act 1903-1918 by the Governor-General in Council, with the purpose of amending the Australian Military Regulations 1916. This regulation specifically modifies the boundaries of the 2nd and 3rd Military Districts, excluding certain areas previously included in the 2nd Military District and reallocating other parts to the 3rd Military District. The objective of these amendments was to address the administrative and strategic reorganisation of military districts in the aftermath of World War I, ensuring a more efficient and effective military structure. The enactment was carried out by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into operation immediately.
Scope and Application
The Statutory Rules 1919 No. 235, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, outlines amendments to the Australian Military Regulations 1916, specifically adjusting the boundaries of the 2nd and 3rd Military Districts. This regulation applies to the military governance within the specified geographic areas, primarily affecting the States of New South Wales and Victoria, and includes certain towns and regions. Notably, the regulation delineates exclusions from these districts, such as the 41st Regimental Area and specific towns within the 56th and 57th Regimental Areas, as well as parts of these areas that fall within the Federal Territory of Australia. This legislation aims to refine the administrative and operational boundaries of military districts to ensure effective command and control within the Australian Defence Force. The regulation comes into immediate effect and sets a framework that could be further extended or modified through subordinate instruments as necessary.
Key Provisions
The Statutory Rules 1919 No. 235, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, include amendments to the Australian Military Regulations 1916. The main operative section of this regulation (sub-regulation 1(1) of regulation 19) redefines the geographical boundaries of the 2nd and 3rd Military Districts. The 2nd Military District now encompasses the State of New South Wales, excluding specific towns and areas previously included. It now also includes parts of the 57th Regimental Area in the State of Victoria and the Federal Territory of Australia. The 3rd Military District now includes the State of Victoria and the remaining parts of the 56th and 57th Regimental Areas that were excluded from the 2nd Military District. This reconfiguration aims to clarify the jurisdictional boundaries for military operations within these areas.
The obligations imposed by these regulations on military and administrative personnel are primarily to adhere to the new geographical definitions when conducting operations or making administrative decisions within these districts. This includes ensuring that military resources, personnel, and command structures are appropriately aligned with the newly defined boundaries. The regulation also mandates that any records, communications, and reports concerning military activities in these areas reflect the updated district definitions. Compliance with these requirements is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and clarity within the Defence Force.
Breaches of these regulations may lead to various consequences depending on the nature and severity of the violation. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text of the regulation itself, the Defence Act 1903-1918 provides a framework for addressing violations. Under the Act, military personnel and officials found in breach of these regulations could face disciplinary actions, including fines, reprimands, or more severe administrative penalties. In cases where the breach results in significant operational failures or neglect of duty, criminal charges could be pursued under relevant sections of the Defence Act, potentially leading to imprisonment. The exact penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the court.